St Mary's Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse on a tidal island, offering stunning coastal views, seal spotting, and a climb to the top.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access the island
St Mary's Lighthouse
Best Time
Access the island
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse on a tidal island, offering stunning coastal views, seal spotting, and a climb to the top.
"Climb the winding staircase for magnificent views and spot seals basking on the rocks!"
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 4,661 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Climb to the Top
Lighthouse Tower
Ascend the winding staircase for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the North Sea.
Seal Watching
Rocky Outcrops
Observe the playful seals basking on the rocks. A dedicated RSPB shed offers binoculars for optimal viewing.
The Tidal Causeway
Island Access
Experience the unique walk across the causeway, which disappears under the sea at high tide.
Coastal History & Nature
Exhibition Rooms
Explore exhibits detailing the lighthouse's history and the local marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Seal Spotting Success
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and uneven, especially on the causeway. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
It can be very windy and exposed on the island. Layers are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and uneven, especially on the causeway. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
It can be very windy and exposed on the island. Layers are recommended.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a parking fee, usually around £3 for the day. 🅿️
⬆️ Lighthouse Climb
Be prepared for many steps if you plan to climb to the top. ⬆️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Lighthouse for its stunning coastal views, the unique experience of climbing the tower, and the joy of spotting seals. The historical significance and the natural beauty of the location are frequently highlighted as major attractions. Some visitors note that the lighthouse interior could benefit from further renovation, and the reliance on tide times requires careful planning.
"It took me years to actually figure this out BUT there is a shed on the island, close to the lighthouse, where the RSPB kindly provide binoculars that lets you watch the seals. After years of literally walking past the open door to the shed it was an incredible surprise the first time I went in!!!!! Check the crossing times before you go. For fabulous walks on the cliffs with stunning views of St Mary's Lighthouse try the old Hartley Car Park. There is also a pub (Delaval Arms) which seems popular. Park nearby. Walk towards Tynemouth for gorgeous views from the cliffs. For people with children: at low tide St Mary s island s causeway is a fabulous place for rock pooling. The lovely gentleman who sells ice-cream & coffee always has a stock of clear buckets, spades and nets all reasonably priced."
Sophie T
"Amazing place to visit. Was very blustery when we visited, but managed to see a few groups of seals resting up out of the water. Visiting the lighthouse is very interesting, and you can climb the steps up to the light itself for an amazing view over the coast. Such a lovely place!"
Kevin Phillips
"Lots of parking (3 quid all day) areas then a walk to the lighthouse. Check tide times as path disappears under the sea! Lighthouse not always open, so check if going specially to climb it. Lots of steps spiraling up (no good if a fear of heights) then shallow steep steps to the top. Great views, little shop, hide to see birds\seals, lots of info and seals😍 Be careful walking on the rocks, hold kids hands, dogs allowed but not in the lighthouse. Path open around the lighthouse to explore the views, fab!"
ilona rigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Lighthouse is located on a tidal island off the coast of Whitley Bay. You can reach it by car, parking at the nearby car park (around £3 all day), and then walking across the causeway when the tide is out. Public transport options include buses that stop in Whitley Bay, followed by a walk to the lighthouse.
Yes, there are several parking areas near the lighthouse, with a fee typically around £3 for all-day parking.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the lighthouse, especially when the causeway is accessible.
The most common and recommended way to access St. Mary's Lighthouse is by walking across the causeway during low tide.
You can reach Whitley Bay by public transport, and then it's a pleasant walk to St. Mary's Lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the island and grounds is generally free, but there is a fee to climb the lighthouse tower and explore the exhibition rooms. +1
The lighthouse opening hours can vary, especially depending on the tide. It's best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm opening times, particularly if you plan to climb the tower.
The cost to climb the lighthouse is typically around £6, which helps fund its upkeep and renovations. +1
No, the lighthouse is not always open for climbing. It's essential to check the opening times in advance, especially if visiting specifically to ascend the tower.
You can visit the island and walk around the lighthouse at any time, but access to the lighthouse tower and exhibitions is subject to opening hours and tide times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At St. Mary's Lighthouse, you can climb the tower for stunning views, explore the history and nature exhibits, watch for seals from the RSPB shed, and enjoy the coastal walk. +1
Yes, seals are frequently spotted basking on the rocks around St. Mary's Lighthouse. Bring binoculars for a closer look from the dedicated RSPB shed. +1
Be cautious when walking on the rocks, as they can be slippery and uneven. Hold children's hands and be mindful of the waves.
Dogs are welcome on the island and around the lighthouse, but they are not permitted inside the lighthouse tower itself.
The views from the top of the lighthouse are magnificent, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline, Whitley Bay, and the North Sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden light for photography. The dramatic coastal scenery and potential for aurora sightings also make it a prime spot. 
Seascape photography, lighthouse shots, timelapses, and capturing the aurora borealis are popular genres here.
Yes, with patience and binoculars from the RSPB shed, you can get great photos of the seals on the rocks.
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive coastal views. Tripods are useful for low-light conditions like sunrise or aurora photography. +1
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at specific times. Always check local regulations before flying.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit